Shipping PE, PVC, PP or PET in containers is a sensitive and complex process that requires careful planning. PE (polyethylene), PVC (polyvinyl chloride), PP (polypropylene) or PET (polyethylene terephthalate) are considered important raw materials that are used in numerous industries - from beverage production, food packaging, automotive, construction to clothing. As the value and sensitivity of the material is high, clear guidelines and best practices are needed to ensure smooth and safe transportation. In this article, we look at the best practices to follow when shipping plastic in containers.

Our best practices

1. Choosing the right container - Plastics are usually loaded by container for import and export. Some products are temperature sensitive. Insulated or air-conditioned containers are ideal to avoid temperature fluctuations that could damage the material. The temperature inside the container should be checked regularly, especially if long sea voyages are planned or the container is on board in warm climates.
2. Labeling and documentation: Packages should be clearly labeled with essential information such as product type, quantity and handling instructions.
3. ‍Optimalload securing - Properly securing the load in the container is crucial to prevent the products from being damaged during the journey. Contamination and moisture damage in particular must be avoided. It is important that the goods are stacked correctly and secured with straps, non-slip pads and gap-filling material to prevent slippage. An inadequately secured container can not only endanger the cargo, but also lead to high insurance costs if the goods are damaged.
4. Compliance and pre-customs declarations - Compliance with international and national regulations is essential to avoid delays at the customs authorities. Country-specific differences in particular are often decisive. Especially when shipping PET products, all required documents, such as bills of lading, certificates of origin, safety data sheets and others, must be completed correctly in advance. It is advisable to work with an experienced freight forwarder who can ensure that all customs declarations comply with the applicable regulations.
5. Integration of modern technologies - In modern freight planning, the integration of technologies such as GPS monitoring and sensors for temperature and humidity is essential. These technologies make it possible to monitor the containers throughout the journey in order to detect potential problems at an early stage.